Side x Side

A new school year brings new Side x Side arts-integrated programs to elementary schools throughout Portland! We love collaborating with the fabulous Portland Public Schools educators. Stay tuned for upcoming programs... and meanwhile, enjoy a glimpse of last year's programs.

https://sidexsideme.com/oss/after-school-art-classes/
Mondays, 4:30–5:30pm: Threads & Textures
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Creative Explorations
Thursdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Drawing & Painting

Honored to be a part of the Maine Arts Commission's event, "Creativity Builds Connection: Arts, Health, Community and Well-Being in Maine" at the University of Southern Maine's Crewe Center for the Arts to welcome the National Endowment for the Arts to Maine!
We are grateful to be part of this important conversation and are excited to keep building connections through the arts.

👏 A round of applause for the fabulous presenters who joined us for Creativity Builds Connection at the Crewe Center for the Arts!

At the heart of every presentation was a shared commitment to something bigger: the role of arts and creativity in supporting health, connection, community, and well-being across Maine.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be shining an individual spotlight on each of these presenters and the work they are doing in their communities.

Please join us in celebrating this remarkable group:

Luke Dyer
Town Manager, Town of Van Buren

Jeff Shaw
Executive Director, Maine Academy of Modern Music

Charlene Huerth
Co-Executive Director & Treasurer, Nibezun

Jamie Silvestri
Founder, ArtVan

Maurice Habimfura
Rwandan Dance, Ikirenga cy’Intore

Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo
Executive Director, Side x Side

Stay tuned as we explore the many ways creativity is building connection across our state. ❤️

And just like that, summer was over. But our memories of Oak Street Studios Summer Art Camps live on! Thanks for sharing your children with us for a fantastic summer of creating, collaborating, and community-building!
For more art-making opportunities for your kids: https://sidexsideme.com/oss/after-school-art-classes/

Looking for after-school art opportunities for your kids? We have you covered! Registration for the fall semester of Oak Street Studios after-school art classes is open:
https://sidexsideme.com/oss/after-school-art-classes/
Mon, 4:30–5:30pm: Threads & Textures
Tues, 4:30–5:30pm: Creative Explorations
Thurs, 4:30–5:30pm: Drawing and Painting

Honored to be a part of the Maine Arts Commission's event, "Creativity Builds Connection: Arts, Health, Community and Well-Being in Maine" last week at University of Southern Maine's Crewe Center for the Arts to welcome the National Endowment for the Arts to Maine!

Side x Side’s Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo joined NEA Chairman Mary Anne Carter, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, and artists, cultural leaders, community partners, and creative voices from across the state to explore how creativity and the arts can build healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.

During the event, Beth shared insights from Maine Creates, Side x Side’s recent professional development program exploring the intersection of creativity, connection, and health.

We are grateful to be part of this important conversation and are excited to keep building connections through the arts.

Join the Neal Street Brass Band for Play Music on the Porch Day!
Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11:00am
129 Neal St. (between Brackett and West Streets) in Portland's West End.
Busking donations are being generously donated to Side x Side!

This week, campers at Oak Street Studios Mixed Media summer art camp created artwork in response to a TEMPOart Portland installation, "Buoyancy" by MJ Arguedas, in Portland’s Old Port. Using interconnected threads and tissue paper inside cardboard frames, campers reflected on the topics of maps and memory to create their pieces.

The Art of Belonging: Featured Article, Art Classes, and More!
https://mailchi.mp/840ce5088328/side-x-side-8342641

Campers created cardboard masterpieces during last week's summer art camp at Oak Street Studios!